Arcata in Humboldt County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Union Plank Walk Railtrack

Photographed by Patrick Duggan, June 16, 2024

1. Union Plank Walk Railtrack Marker

Inscription. Be it known that at this site in Dec. 1854 work began on the Union Plank Walk Railtrack and Wharf Co. The railroad, in use by Jan. 1855, was the earliest operating state authorized railroad in California. The wharf, completed in May 1855, was 1.5 miles long and was extended 600 yards in 1875. The Arcata and Mad River Railroad is a surviving part of the original Union Company.

Erected 1986 by E Clampus Vitus Chapter 101.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Railroads & Streetcars • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical date for this entry is December 15, 1854.

Location. 40° 51.315′ N, 124° 5.89′ W. Marker is in Arcata, California, in Humboldt County. It can be reached from I Street. Located on the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary walking trail at the parking lot at the end of I Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Arcata CA 95521, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s North Coast,

specifically on the Coast Ranges,

and in the Klamath Mountains.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast

and in the Pacific Northwest.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Jacoby Building (approx. one mile away); Jacoby's Storehouse (approx. one mile away); First Methodist Society on Humboldt Bay (approx. 1.1 miles away); The Gregg-Wood Party and the Union Company

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(approx. 1.1 miles away); Minor Theatre (approx. 1.2 miles away); Site of Arcata Stage & Bus Depot (approx. 1.2 miles away); The Phillips House (approx. 1.3 miles away); Camp Curtis (approx. 2.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Arcata.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Jacoby Building (was approx. 1.1 miles away but has been permanently removed).

Also see . . . Arcata and Mad River Railroad (Wikipedia).

Excerpt: On December 15, 1854, the Union Wharf and Plank Walk Company built a pier into Humboldt Bay near Arcata to load lumber schooners. The wooden rails overlain with strap iron laid on that walkway were built to an unusual narrow gauge of 3 ft 9+1⁄2 in (1,156 mm) apart. A year later, 2 miles (3.2 km) of track had been laid leading up to the wharf. A horse drew the cars across the narrow gauge rail tracks.

This line was the oldest working railroad in California because while the Sacramento Valley Railroad filed papers of incorporation in 1853, they did not begin construction until 1855, after this line was operational. In 1875, the railroad was renamed the Union Plank Walk and Railroad Company. The wooden rails were faced with iron and a small
Photographed by Patrick Duggan, June 16, 2024

2. Union Plank Walk Railtrack Marker
steam locomotive, named the Black Diamond towed lumber out onto the pier from the 1872 Dolly Varden mill owned by Isaac Minor.

(Submitted on June 17, 2024.)

Credits. This page was last revised on June 17, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 16, 2024, by Patrick Duggan of Los Angeles, California. This page has been viewed 431 times since then and 45 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 16, 2024, by Patrick Duggan of Los Angeles, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.